101 sworn in as American citizens

PORTSMOUTH — Ana Raquel Akens at age 24 has made New Hampshire her home, but she admits she did not want to leave her native Peru when her mother married an American 13 years ago.

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By Deborah McDermott

seacoastonline.com

By Deborah McDermott

Posted Jul. 8, 2014 at 2:00 AM

By Deborah McDermott
Posted Jul. 8, 2014 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

PORTSMOUTH — Ana Raquel Akens at age 24 has made New Hampshire her home, but she admits she did not want to leave her native Peru when her mother married an American 13 years ago.

"I loved Peru, and for a long time, I didn't want to be here," said the Sanbornton resident. But as the years went by, she said she came to deeply appreciate her adopted country.

"I love the principles this country was created to stand for," Akens said Friday, moments before being sworn in as a new American citizen. "Here, there is protection of the conscience of the people. You can live as your conscience dictates. I really appreciate that. This is my home now."

Akens was one of 101 people sworn in as American citizens Friday during what has become an annual tradition — the July 4 naturalization ceremony at Strawbery Banke Museum. These newest citizens from throughout New Hampshire hail from 41 countries as close to home as Canada and as far away as Nepal, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ireland and Russia.

Among them was Michel Wembi, a Manchester resident who five years ago came from the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. He was a human rights activist there, he said in what is still halting English, and had to flee.

"I like being an American," he said. "Here there is no fear. You go where you like. You talk to whoever you want. There is freedom. Free, free, free!"

In welcoming these newest citizens of New Hampshire, Anthony Violanti from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service said they have every reason to be proud.

"Your hard work and determination have led you here," he said. "You carry on our nation's proud heritage as a nation of immigrants."

Portsmouth Mayor Bob Lister harkened back to the founding of Portsmouth, a city settled by immigrants in the 17th century, and told the group they continue in that tradition.

He, too, praised the group's "motivation, desire and determination" to become citizens. "It takes hard work on your part, and it suggests a special allegiance to our country," Lister said.

It is a country that has become very important to Padam Kharel of Bhutan, who came to Concord as a refugee six years ago.

"It's very good to be here," he said. "I have freedom. Everybody's free. I love America. I will never go back to my country."